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Razhie. Advicenators Member Since: June 13, 2005. Answers: 5077. Visitors: 211514.
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The Question
Recently, I've auditioned for a musical at a local theatre, and I got a very bad role. Judging by the age/skill of the other people there, I was one of the top three in voice skill, and the best at acting in general. When we got the parts, this camp (Read: CHILDREN'S CAMP. Nothing professional.) gave roles almost perfectly to those who looked the part. I really hate going there, and I feel like I should drop out, but I would also feel bad if I did that. What should I do?
The Answer
Do you want to be an actor?
Then you need to suck it up, because for the rest of your life people will be getting roles for reasons you neither know or understand.
At an amateur level, especially with children, there will be things that are actually much more important than pure talent. Things like knowing the young person is reliable and punctual and dedicated to working with the organization. Even in the professional world, directors and casting agents prefer the known quality - actors they know or have a solid reputation of being good to work with. It's not just about delivering on stage or on camera, the work it takes to get there is just as (if not more) important.
If this was the first time you'd ever auditioned for this group, no matter how talented you might be, it was deeply unlikely you were going to get a leading role. You are an unknown. There is no reason for them to take a risk on you while they are trying to create a positive experience for all the young people involved.
If you want to keep growing with this group, then be team player. Show up, know your role, and be supportive and kind to others. That is how you create a network of fellow artists who respect and value you. That is part of how you let the adults in charge know that you are reliable and can be trusted with a bigger part.
If you drop out, you wont get a larger part the next time you audition, because no one wants to have to recast a role each time you decide you aren't satisfied. That hurts everyone.
If you only wanted to do this for fun, not because you are serious about being a performer, or if you know you don't want to work with this group again ever, then go ahead and drop out.
But if acting is what you want to do, you need to learn how to have a bit part, because every professional actor spends way more time in small part than in leading roles.
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The Question
Thanks for the advice! But my parents aren't willing to pay for anything. & I actually did go to one source talent. But they said I needed to travel to different states. I can't do that. I'm only 13, and I have school, and I just want a movie or something to be filmed in or near Chicago cause that's where I live. Any more suggestions?
The Answer
I can't see your previous question, and I don't know who you were trying to reach, but I'll offer you what I can...
Tough fact is that very little films in Chicago these days. There just isn't much film industry there to be a part of. Even most movies you see that are set in Chicago are actually filmed in Toronto or Vancouver.
My best advice to you would be to do some theatre. Chicago is a great city for live theatre with a lot of serious organizations and training. You can probably find programs to develop your talent, and give you real exposure to working with other artists.
There are also some great film schools in Chicago. You could contact them and ask if they have any database for young actors who are willing to work for free with their film students. I imagine students may have trouble filling roles for young people.
If you want to act, find chances to act that you can access.
It's a waste of time to hold your breath for a blockbuster.
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The Question
How many theatres in New York? Any idea!
The Answer
Well, there are currently about 40 theatres that are considered \'Broadway\' Theatres (that number does change, based on renovations and how the theatre is laid out or used) and a few more than 40 theatres that are \'Off-Broadway\' Theatres.
When people are talking about theatre in New York, those theatres are generally the ones they are thinking of: The larger ones that are on Broadway, or the bigger ones nearby.
Of course there are hundreds more theatres in New York. In schools, in basements, in bars, in second story walk ups, in public parks! I\'m just guessing here, but I\'d bet there are easily three or four hundred more venues in which live theatre is preformed in NYC. Some of them may only seat 20 or 30 people, but they certainly exist.
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The Question
What is it and how do you keep from getting it? Is there a cure?
The Answer
Pink eye's proper name is conjunctivitis. Usually it's caused by bacteria or virus, but there are other things (like allergies) that can cause it too. It just means that the membrane that is around the eyelids and on top of the eye itself is irritated.
There are lots of cures - but which cure will work will depend on what the root cause of the irritation is. For viral infections, the best thing to do is simply to wait it out and make sure it doesn't spread. People take a few days off work or school, make sure to wash their hands, and try not to touch their.
The vast, vast majority of the time, pink eye wont be serious and it'll be treated, or waited out and pass in a week or so.
Best way to stop it spreading is to wash your hands well and don't share washcloths or other things that touch your face with someone who has a viral or bacterial case of pink-eye. Allergies, of course, can't be caught or spread.
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The Question
um recently hollywood is adding these stupid tv programs as in making the characters be something that they dont even look like for instense Grimm which really does not get anywhere with the classic fairy tales and Once a Upon a Time which is reeally stupid becuase in that program the characters are in storybrook and are more then one character for example Rumplestiltskin he is not just Rumplestiltskin but also the Beast and even studier Tick Tock the Crocodile i mean why did hollywood do those things seriously what website can you go to to give those shows lower ratings and get them cancelled becuase i really want to cancel Once Upon a Time so where i can go to give it low ratings so will be taken off the air and not get newer episodes and hopefully Grimm will stop later in the future or maybe next year
The Answer
There aren't many places online to do this, because 'rating' a show down isn't going to do do anything - certainly not get it canceled.
Shows get renewed based on how many people watch them, how many companies want the commercial time, and how much stuff gets sold. As long as enough people watch, it doesn't matter if everyone else on the planet hates the show - it'll stay on, 'cause it's making money.
Your not liking those shows is completely irrelevant to whether or not they continue. Grimm probably only has a bit longer in it - cause its ratings where never all that great. Once Upon a Time is going strong, it's ratings are second only to football on most nights. It'll be a around for a while no matter how you feel about.
In all seriousness, you need to find a better way to spend your time and energy. Not only did Disney and the Brothers Grimm reinterpret theses classic stories in the first place, so the versions you think are the 'originals' were already just interpretations and choices made by 20th century artists and writers - but even if you had a legitimate argument against these modern reinterpretations (and you don't) it is still silly to waste of your time and energy on TV shows you don't like. Get this passionate about the things you love. Or get this angry about issues that actually warrant it, like world hunger or politics or human rights. This is not a heathy way to spend your time, and you'll alienate other people if you are always out to ban the things just because you don't like them.
Yes, it sucks when something is really popular and you just don't 'get it', but it's not a reason to attack it. All my friends seemed to love Seinfeld, and now they are into Scandal and Walking Dead - I can't get into either of those shows at all, so, I just don't watch them. There are enough TV shows, books, movies and stories out there to please everyone.
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The Question
ok i know this isnt exactly your subject but i just wanna know the answer to a simple question: is theater an elective?
The Answer
If depend entirely on your country, your state, your school district and possibly even your school's policies.
In most places, IF theatre is available (and sadly, it's not always available) it will be an elective, or it will be one of many electives that fulfill the the requirement to take an arts course.
I agree the best thing to do it contact your school. Anyone in the art department or the guidance/counseling office should know if the course is offered, and how that fits into the graduation requirements in your area.
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The Question
What do you think of this poem? I tried to format
this better but could not because of the posting system here in this space provided.
________________________________________________
From My Terrace Down
Twilight's saffron haze reduced to memory
as light strengthens its spars over the horizon
silhouetted gossamer,woven upon ash wood and hedge
taut like strings on a violin
from my terrace down,
closely packed houses, roof tops
gnawing at the pith of the air, where starlings
wings stretch for sunshine through westward glints
their fluted voices carrying long phrases
tattooed to the wind, atop hills shaved from
peaks, like those only dreams dare to carve
from my terrace down,
factories and wind mills, fields nosing up
to ploughmen clad in turf bound silence
where moss munches on harvest salts
The Answer
All right, I am going to assume that you actually do want honest opinions .. So, if you don't want to examine or improve your poetry, you can pretty much just ignore me completely. I'm not going to praise you for sharing your special feelings. I'm going to tell you what works and what doesn't.
The most important question is this one:
What are you trying to communicate?
Your poem is filled with contradictions (which is not always a bad thing) but there are so many contradicting sensations and descriptions that I can’t see what the purpose of them is. You don't cut a clear path for your reader through the world you’ve created. It’s like being whupped over the head with a landscape painting.
I also can't follow what you are speaking about from line to line - is it the light that is silhouetted gossamer, or the memory? Is the gossamer taut, or the ash wood and hedge? Does this terrace overlook houses and yards, or hills and factories and fields? What sort of dreams carve what? Is there also a salt mine or ocean in this? Does it overlook ALL of these things? People don’t normally call them terraces when they are on the 30th floor… You may think I'm being deliberately obtuse, but the truth is that even less serious reader will have these ideas in their mind, and because they can’t find any of the answers at all they'll leave feeling disconnected and confused.
You’ve tried to guide a reader’s eye through such a massive landscape that they only come away with a few disjointed images and no idea of WHY those images were being crafted. Poetry's greatest gift is that it can turn a doorway or a teacup into a monument, and dissect very brief moments in new ways. It’s not meant to elusive or vague – it is meant to be specific in ways prose can’t be.
Throw out the thesaurus. You know how to write poetry. You can clearly craft words. You can create images. You are clearly well-read and have a strong vocabulary. You are ready to play with structure. Don't try to prove any of that. What you need now is to have something to say - it doesn't have to be an epic something, or even an important something - just something you want to communicate to others.
If you DON'T want to communicate to others through poetry. If you simply want to write for your own pleasure that is just fine! Lot of people do that. Hell - I do it, but it's important to recognize the difference between journaling, and writing only for your own pleasure and understanding, and sending something out into the world to connect with others.
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The Question
I enjoy acting and stage managing, but I do not know which to pick. I have bee working with this one director for 2 years now as a stage manager, but I want to audition for the play he is doing. Will he not trust me as a stage manager? Should I audition?
The Answer
I'm sure he'll still trust you as a stage manager - my only worry would be that he wont take you seriously as an actor.
Different directors have different feelings about arts administrators like SMs, who also are actors.
Some directors are completely open too it and have respect for theatre artists who can wear many hats. Others type-cast stage managers as stage managers, and actors as actors, and believe in their hearts that no one can cross that line - even if they claim to be open minded about it.
Those kind of directors are out there: They suck, but they are definitely out there.
The best thing you can do is talk to your director about your desire to act and to audition. The audition will be less stressful for both of you if it's not a surprise to him, and his response to you letting him know that you will be audition will let you know what he thinks of the idea...
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The Question
I love acting.
I was just wondering if I'll have to pay to join an Acting Agency or any other agencies around.
I live in England.
The Answer
You should not join an agency that expects you to pay them upfront. Reputable agencies make money by earning a percentage of your contract fee when they find you work.
Evil abusers of dreams are the kind of people who demand you pay them in order to be represented. That is the kind of ‘agency’ which takes advantage of people.
(There is one exception to this - You may be asked to pay to have professional headshots taken by a photographer the agency likes to work with. Otherwise, there should be no, or very minimal, upfront fees.)
An agency makes money by representing people who they know they can get work for. They make large commissions (10% - 20% of whatever you are paid goes to the agency).
Whichever agency approaches you – do your homework. Look for reviews and ask to speak to one or two people who are represented by them and are willing to give you the skinny.
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The Question
hey i really love the movie thirteen and i would like to know if i could watch it on the internet for 100% free? thanks :]
The Answer
Legally, you can't.
No one here should tell you how to do so illegally. They would be risking being banned.
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The Question
Okay, so i'm 14/f in highschool , freshie!!! haha, okay so anyway. at my school we have a freshman play and only freshman can try out. Well, this is my first play. In middle school you could do the musical, my friends did that but I can't sing so i didnt. My friend can't act. She sucks. Well I've never told her this(That would be mean!) But everyone knows that if your charecter is a name (Like Stacey, Jill, Laura etc) it's a bigger role then not a name (Nurse 1, Student 5 etc.) Well my friend got Fan 2. Shes mad at me because this is my first play and i got a 'lead'. she seems to think that if i didn't try out she would have gotten my part. However we don't know this for a fact. But, shes all mad at me. Am I wrong to not be bothered by this? Like, all the good people are cast and if i quit then i'm letting down a lot of people. On top of that...I don't want to quit. I want to do it. I want to start acting. She inssits shes not mad but i can tell she is and shes telling everyone that she is and that its all my fault. I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO LIKE SABOTAGE HER! I guess i'm good if i made it without experience and only one class. What do you think?
The Answer
Let it go and ignore it.
She is telling you she isn't mad. That means she probably knows she has no right to be mad.
You can't know exactly what she is telling other people. That is just gossip. But more importantly, they can see through her insults just as clearly as you can. It's about her pain and insecurities. Not about anything you did.
Just be her friend. She is dissapointed and hurt. It's understandable that might lash out a bit. Forgive her and move on with your life. Let her get over it on her own. It sounds like she knows she should.
Also, don't get a big head babe. There is very little space in community level theatre for ego. A big ego will make sure you don't get cast agian. Humble yourself and remember 'There are no small parts' because there AREN'T. It takes everyone, EVEN Fan 2. So don't waste time thinking about good you must be. Work hard instead.
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The Question
I have been in 3 plays in a row at my college. They have all been bit roles with no speaking parts, yet I have put my entire heart and soul into each of them, showing up at every practice, helping in any way I can, and trying to learn what I can under the circumstances, and yet, I just cannot seem to get a big role. I'm not mad at the director, just insanely frustrated with myself. I know a lot of people will say "It has nothing to do with you" or "It's just the directors vision", but after all these plays, I'm doubting that there's more to my getting small roles than the director's "vision"
Any advice??
The Answer
Ask honest opinion of the people you work with.
There is an element of type-casting and an element of nice-guy-ism when it comes to school casting. By that I mean, because they know you'll do the smaller roles without complaint, you might get over looked in favor of someone who will pull a diva routine, all other things considered...
But the best way to discover what factors are at play is to ask around. Some people might feel it's your skill level. Others might think you are more of a 'character actor' rather then a leading lady. You'll only know if you ask.
You might also consider doing some lobbying for a bigger part. If you have a track record and they know you are reliable, it might just be a case of the squeeky wheel getting the grease... so put yourself out there a bit more. Let them know you are really interested in a larger role in a friendly, but very direct, way.
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The Question
Last night I attended a local theatrical production and encountered a first-time situation for which no one had a solution.
The problem is that this is an intimate theatre with only about 60 seats: no one would be further from the stage, or any other patron, than about 25 feet.
One of the patrons had an incredibly strong odor about her person. This was not just one's run-of-the-mill body, tobacco, or food odor, but was
akin to a mix of human body odor, skunk, stockyard, and cat urine. The odor was overwhelming to the entire theatre, there was no safe haven.
No one wanted to be seated anywhere near this patron. The cast as well as everyone in the audience (except the offender) was visibly irritated and suffering.
Is there any proper way to address this situation? As a patron should I have made a comment? Should the management of the theatre have taken any action?
What could be done in the future if this patron returns?
Thank you for your advice.
Sincerely,
(contact info removed, please don't identify yourself in questions.)
The Answer
Sadly, most theatres don't have any sort of 'official' policy on dealing with such an issue, beyond kindly reminding people, either in their literature or through signage to avoid perfume or other intense scents. Typically, this issue is dealt on a case by case basis, and patrons who are disturbed enough by an odor are simply moved into separate seats... As you pointed out, in a small space like this that wouldn't have been possible.
In defense of the theatre: The *right* person likely didn't know just how much of a problem this was. There is, out of necessity, minimal communication between the inside of the theatre, and the lobby. Actors can be fantastically focused during a performance, and likely would not have raised a stink to their backstage manager until after the performance.
So yes, as a patron you can most certainly, and should most certainly speak up. Not to the person in question of course, but to someone called the Front of House Manager. They are in charge of the lobby and the audience and responsible for your safety and comfort during the show. However, because of safety responsibilities the FOH is rarely inside the seating area during the performance. They are in lobby. This is the person who it would fall to to remove an offensive patron.
So it falls to the ushers and to you the patrons to express your needs to the FOH Manager. In a case like this, the manager would have the power, and often the unpleasant responsibility of removing the patron BUT ONLY at a suitable break in the performance.
If there was no intermission or other suitable break during this performance, it’s pretty likely the FOH Manager wouldn’t be able to do anything.
The Show Must Go On is a very powerful phrase and a FOH will not stop a show unless there is an emergency OR if the back stage manger halts the show (which as I said, is unlikely, as 99% of actors might groan a bit, but probably wouldn't make their full discomfort known until after they have dispatched their roles.)
In the future, ask for the Front of House Manager during an intermission, or even before the show. They might not always be able to remove the patron (some FOH's are more comfortable with this responsibilty and more ready to use it when needed then others, it really is the most difficult one they have. Evacuations are simple by comparison.) If there is no intermission, and the problem wasn’t caught before the performance began, it’s almost impossible to address.
As for what to do now, it would certainly be a good idea to give the theatre a call and make your discomfort known. Another voice will help keep the FOH’s eyes open for this person in the future and will give them more impetus and power to act if the same problem comes up again. Don't get too upset if they act as though they are already aware. They probably are quite aware, but it doesn't hurt to give people in customer service another gentle prod.
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The Question
If I go to the theatre and scream "Boring!", can I get arrested in a democratic repulic like India?
The Answer
You would certainly be kicked out and if you resisted at all you could be charged (in fact you could be charged in the states too if you refused to leave for even a split second after they asked you too).
Honestly though, I wouldn't pull a stunt like that in India. It would be fundamentally stupid to do so. Although India does have "Freedom of Speech" written into thier laws, those 'rights' aren't viewed as having quite the intrinsic value as they are in North America. Why play with fire?
(On that note, shout "Fire!" in a crowded theatre and you will definitely be charged in any country.)
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The Question
i used to think harry potter movies were for nerds and stuff but now i actully love the movies lol im kinda obsessed...... ok well i just bought the harry potter and the goblet of fire DVD and i was wondering if there is gonna be another movie coming out after that one?? thanks so much!
The Answer
Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix is the next movie and will be coming out in theatres next summer on July 13th.
A quick google search will get you a whole bunch of rumors and pictures from the movie as it's filming.
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The Question
I'm 16/f and not all that great at singing. I'm okay but I want to get better. I want to try out for my school's show choir, and the try outs are early this year like in the next few weeks. I need some good tips on what to do, how to sound better. Anything from anyone who knows what they are talking about will be helpful.
The Answer
I'm not much of a singer to be honest; I just work with a lot of them. Singing wise, it's best to get the opinion of someone who can actually hear you sing. If you know anyone who is already in the choir, or the sort of songs they sung last year, you could use that to help you choose your songs and the way you approach them. You don't need to dazzle a choirmaster with your range. If your voice isn't too well trained, just pick a simpler song and focus on making the notes clear and true.
For a day or two before your audition, try to stay away from dairy products, ice cream, yogurt and the such. They create more mucus in the throat and muddle sound. Tea is the exact opposite and is very good for your throat, opens everything up and
Remember that choirmasters aren't looking for the best singers necessarily. They are looking for a voice that will meld well with the rest of the choir and a singer who is keen and pays attention. So be prepared, dress nicely, and smile.
Best of luck.
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The Question
Hi, I'm in theatre and I have an audition coming up in August for a Shakespeare play that my school is putting on. Our director is really strict and wants everything to be authentic, so for the part I need to learn a "Queen's English" accent. I tried watching a bunch of movies but whenever I actually try, it never sounds right. So I was wondering if anybody knew of any ways I could learn without having to hire a coach.
The Answer
Certainly the best way by far would be to speak to your drama teacher, or really any drama teacher at your school. Nearly no one gets a degree in theatre without being forced through a few classes on speech and accents. If nothing else, a drama teacher might have a book or some other resources to loan to you.
You can also check out: http://www.renfaire.com/Language/
It's a resource for people involved in renaissance fairs, but it might help you a good deal. If you can get your hands on it there is also a very good book written for renaissance re-enactors called The Bard's English.
Break a leg.
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The Question
Does anyone know where I could read a script / transcript of the movie "Hard Candy"?
I've been looking all through google and other search engines but I can't find it anywhere.
Thank you very much! Any help would be VERY appreciated!!
The Answer
Honestly hun I don't think you are going to find the script online. First off, because nearly no studios give permission for their screenplays to be reproduced online, and secondly because Hard Candy isn't popular enough for anyone to bother making any sort of bootleg or transcript.
Anyways, both the director and screenwriter are new to feature films and don't seem have their own websites, so I would think the best thing to do if you want to get your hands on the screenplay is to check out Lionsgate.com (They are the distributors of Hard Candy) to find someone to e-mail and request a copy, or you could ask the people at their forum for Hard Candy: http://forums.lionsgate.com/forumdisplay.php?f=80
Worse come to worse though, I think it's scheduled for a September DVD release. Not too long to wait. Good Luck.
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The Question
When you talk about a play in a paper (for school) do you underline the name or do you put it in italics? Thank you!
The Answer
Either is acceptable.
Both underlining and italics are typographical devices that mean the same thing, so just pick one and keep it consistent.
If you are really worried, it's worth it to ask your teacher which they prefer.
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The Question
Besides Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Rent and Les Miserables, does anyone know any good musicals that are entirely sung through?
The Answer
Hate to break it to you but there is enough spoken dialogue in Rent and in The Phantom of Opera that they aren't really considered completely sung-through. Some people still say they are, but it's arguable.
Evita, Sweeney Todd and Les Miserables are right. Some other sung-through musicals are The Golden Apple, Cats, Miss Siagon (technically opera I suppose), Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar and I think Assassins is as well.
You can also look at pretty much any German, Italian or even English opera written in the classical era and a lot in the modern era, they tend to be completely sung-through.
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